Source: Radio New Zealand
A fire destroyed the sport’s pavilion at Northcote College. Victoria Young
Students from the Auckland school that had its century-old, heritage listed sports pavilion gutted by fire are learning from home for the week.
The building at Northcote College was razed on Friday.
In a letter to parents, the school said it had been told to close by the Ministry of Education and specialist contractors.
“We are moving to online learning for the week of Monday 23 February to Friday 27 February for all students,” the school said.
Students should not come to school, it added.
A fire broke out at the Northcote College sports pavilion on 20 February 2026. RNZ / Marika Khabazi
There would be limited supervision given for students who could not stay home, but they would not be taught any lessons.
It also cautioned against “unhelpful” speculation about the fire’s cause, saying it was still under investigation.
Online learning would allow for the the safe demolition of the pavilion, its removal and clearing of the site, the school said.
“Property records show that there is asbestos (Class B) in some of the cladding around the base of the damaged building which will require appropriate management as it is removed,” the school had written to parents.
The fire at Northcote College on Auckland’s North Shore on 20 February 2026. Finn Blackwell
It also was not able to run heating, ventilation and air conditioning in its new K Block where half of its timetabled classes were.
“We have also been advised to keep all people off the fields and away from the gym and pool during the demolition and removal process.
“With these restrictions, online learning for the week is the safe and sensible option.”
Northcote College said air tests taken over the weekend for reassurance had all come back clear.
“Monitoring will continue this week,” it said.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
